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The Medicinal Herb Info site was created to help educate visitors about the often forgotten wisdom of the old ways of treating illnesses. Many of today's drugs and medicines were originally derived from natural ingredients, combinations of plants and other items found in nature.

We are not suggesting that you ignore the help of trained medical professionals, simply that you have additional options available for treating illnesses. Often the most effective treatment involves a responsible blend of both modern and traditional treatments.

We wish you peace and health!

Giloy

Scientific Names

Giloy

  • Tinospora cordifolia
  • Berberis vulgaris f. lycium (Royle) Parsa

Common Names

  • Giloy
  • Guduchi
  • Amrita
  • Heart-leaved Moonseed
  • Heavenly Elixir
  • Gurcha
  • Somida


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Parts Usually Used

The stems, roots, and leaves are primarily used. The stem is considered the most medicinally potent part of the plant.
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Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Giloy is a large, deciduous climbing shrub that grows up to 3-4 meters tall. It has pale whitish to greyish branches with heart-shaped leaves that are 10-20 cm long and 8-15 cm broad. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and unisexual, appearing on separate plants. The fruits are red, fleshy drupes growing in clusters of 1-3. The plant thrives in various soil types from sandy to clay loam and prefers tropical to subtropical climates.
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Where Found

Native to the Himalayan region, particularly found in tropical areas of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of Australia and Africa. It grows well up to elevations of 1000 meters in South Asia.
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Giloy

Medicinal Properties

Giloy demonstrates potent immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective properties. It has shown effectiveness in treating various conditions through multiple mechanisms of action.

Research has shown its ability to boost immunity, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, protect liver function, and improve cardiovascular health. It also exhibits anti-cancer properties and aids in managing autoimmune conditions.
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Biochemical Information

The primary active compounds include alkaloids (berberine, palmatine), terpenoids, lignans, and steroids (beta-sitosterol). It also contains flavonoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and various phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and quercetin.
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Uses

Giloy has numerous traditional and modern applications, including:

  • Treatment of fever and infections
  • Management of diabetes and blood sugar control
  • Boosting immune system function
  • Treatment of arthritis and joint pain
  • Liver protection and detoxification
  • Skin health improvement
  • Digestive health support
  • Stress and anxiety reduction
  • Treatment of respiratory conditions

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Formulas or Dosages

General recommended dosages include:

Powder form: 2-6 grams daily in divided doses

Juice form: 2-3 teaspoons mixed with equal amount of water, taken on an empty stomach

For children: No more than 500 mg twice daily
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How Sold

Available commercially in various forms including:

  • Capsules and tablets
  • Powder
  • Juice
  • Decoctions
  • Tinctures
  • Creams and lotions for topical use
  • Tea blends

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Warning

While generally considered safe when used as directed, giloy may cause side effects including constipation, stomach irritation, and low blood sugar. It should be used with caution in people with autoimmune conditions as it may overstimulate the immune system.

Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women due to insufficient safety data. People taking blood sugar medications should monitor their levels closely when using giloy. Those with liver conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to rare reports of hepatotoxicity.
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Resource Links

Unveiling Giloy Benefits Through Genome Sequencing and Analysis

Nature.com – Genome sequencing and functional analysis of a multipurpose medicinal herb Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy)

HealthLine – What Is Giloy? Nutrients, Benefits, Downsides, and More

Wikipedia – Tinospora cordifolia

National Library of Medicine – Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy): An insight on the multifarious pharmacological paradigms of a most promising medicinal ayurvedic herb

Radcliffe Labs – Giloy: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects and More

ScienceDirect – Immunomodulatory properties of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) leaves and its applications in value-added products

MedicineNet – What Is Giloy Good For?

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